China's health ministry has launched a major initiative to expand cancer screenings for high-risk populations, with officials urging annual CT scans for older adults and those with smoking histories. National Health Commission head Lei Haichao announced the push during the National People's Congress, emphasizing prevention as the key strategy.

People aged 50 and above, long-term smokers, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are now advised to undergo low-dose spiral CT scans annually. The program also targets colorectal cancer screening for at-risk groups every three to five years, while heavy drinkers and those with gastric conditions should receive gastroscopy.

This initiative builds on last year's obesity prevention campaign, which established over 5,500 weight-management clinics nationwide. China aims to raise its five-year cancer survival rate to 46.6% by 2030 through this comprehensive prevention and control program.